[chik question]

Is it against the law for teachers to spread rumors all over the school about a student if they have no proof in the matter?

[Teaching]

That is completey unprofessional and I am sure you can talk to someone higher up if that is the case.

[excon]

Hello chik:

It's illegal for anyone to lie about anyone. The question in a court of law, however, would be how much did the lie cost. If the lie damages one's reputation in a quantifiable way, then a lawsuit is in order.

Of course, if it's true, then it is, and anybody can say the truth about anybody without proof.

excon

[shygrneyzs]

No, it is not right to spread rumors. That is called slander. Now if they can prove what they are saying... that is another matter - still unprofessional because it is gossip - but not slander. They still are unethical in talking about a student.

Can you prove what the teachers are saying is, in fact, a lie? Call the ACLU - they love this stuff. Do it for free no doubt too.

[chik question]

That is completey unprofessional and I am sure you can talk to someone higher up if that is the case.

I know I could talk to someone higher, I just need to know if any good will come of it, if it will make it stop for good. Or, if there is anything else I could do to get them to stop. I need to know how it will make a difference, I guess is my question.

[Teaching]

I would definitely put this in a letter form - and copy it to the school and the school board of trustees. Written documents have more weight.

[excon]

Hello again, chik:

Ok, so come clean. You're the kid and I want to know what the rumor is. Is it that you need to study harder?? It would be easier if we knew what we were dealing with.

excon

[Fr_Chuck]

Now this is part of it, teachers can discuss among thierself things they expect to be happening, like watch bobby he may be using drugs, and so on, this is merely proper teaching

[ScottGem]

If you want to know whether its illegal for one person to spread lies about another, it is. If you want to know whether its unethical for a teacher to spread lies about a student, again it is. Something can be unethical without being illegal.

So the next question is what to do about it. The pat answer, since we don't know any details, is to talk to the teacher's supervisor and file a complaint with the school administration.

[chik question]

Hello again, chik:

Ok, so come clean. You're the kid and I want to know what the rumor is. Is it that you need to study harder??? It would be easier if we knew what we were dealing with.

excon

OK, yes, I am the student who the rumors are about. I got in trouble at school for skipping class, but instead of just saying that, teachers are making it more interesting by saying that I was in the bathroom doing something with somebody, which is completely untrue, because if it was true then I would definitely be expelled, but I'm not. So now I have teachers and students against me, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation

[ScottGem]

We told you what to do.

[ghost56]

It is certainly unprofessional and I would definitely have a word with the head of the school.